Getting there and getting around

Turn off the Isis Highway 20km south of Biggenden or 4km north of the township of Coalstoun Lakes into Crater Lakes Road. Follow the dirt vehicle track, approximately 1km, through a grassy paddock to the beginning of the walk up the northern crater. A carpark is provided at the end of the road.

Park features

The park is an area of remarkable geological interest. It is the site of volcano that erupted more than 600,000 years ago, yet it is still one of the youngest volcanic formations in Australia. Evidence of the basalt lava that flowed out from the craters is still present, in the form of the large basalt rocks along the walking track. This is known as Baranbah Basalt. The lakes were named after Coalstoun in Scotland by Wade Brun, manager of nearby Ban Ban Station.

This is a park ideal for walking, birdwatching and nature study.

Camping and accommodation

Camping is not permitted in Coalstoun Lakes National Park.

Other accommodation

Accommodation is available in and around the township of Biggenden, 20km to the north, or in Gayndah which is 45km west of Coalstoun Lakes National Park.

Details: Walk up the northern side of the crater to the crater rim for stunning views of the first crater lake, surrounding rural landscape and Mount Walsh National Park. .

Descend to the first shallow lake and bird hide, then continue around the edge of the lake through dry rainforest, over a ridge with landscape views, and down to the second crater lake and bird hide.

The lakes are fringed by black tea tree Melaleuca bracteata and in dry periods sedgeland plants thrive in the empty lake beds.

The dry rainforest here is one of only a few remaining examples in this region. Bottle trees, crows ash and leopard ash trees protrude above a dense understorey. The three-leaved Bosistoa transversa growing here is vulnerable to extinction.

Viewing wildlife

Coalstoun Lakes offers excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife. Enjoy spending time at the bird hides observing wildlife around the lakes and in the dry rainforest canopy. The two bird hides along the track are most useful when the lakes are full after heavy rain, and water birds flock to the two crater lakes.

White faced heron, rose crowned fruit dove and double barred finches can all be seen because of the range of habitats within the small area in and around the lakes. During dryer periods, water birds are replaced by wedge tail eagles and swamp harriers which can be seen searching for prey on the dry lake bed.

Things to know before you go

Wear sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing to avoid being scratched by prickly shrubs in the vine thicket.

Bring adequate food and drinking water.

Bring binoculars for viewing wildlife.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Coalstoun Lakes National Park.

Climate and weather

Coalstoun Lakes and Biggenden area enjoys a mild, subtropical climate. The average daily temperature range is 20°C to 33°C in summer and 7°C to 24°C in winter.

Looking after the park

Do not feed or leave food for animals. Human food can harm wildlife and cause some animals to become aggressive.

Everything within the conservation park is protected. Do not take or interfere with plants or animals.

Take your rubbish out of the park for appropriate disposal.

Stay on tracks. Do not cut corners or create new tracks, as this causes erosion.

See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

Coalstoun Lakes National Park is 26.3 hectares and was first gazetted in 1994 as a National Park. The Department of Environment and Science manages Coalstoun Lakes National Park under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to preserve and protect its natural and cultural values in perpetuity.